It's been several months and many rides later... I'm having a blast on the hardtail and my technical skills are progressing.
Glad you're enjoying your ride.
I have a
Quoted message said:
feeling that I've been bitten by the bug and in a year or two I'll be looking at the latest >$2000 full suspension bikes. But to have gone there right now, given my riding ability and past experience, would have been premature.
Don't assume that upgrading to full suspension is the logical 'next step'...